The natural light from the sun seemed to burn his eyes as Lord Zuko emerged from the airship. Squinting, the elder man raised his hand to shield his eyes. His view finally focused on a woman clad in old Kyoshi Warrior apparel. Though her face had wrinkled with age, Suki was still as stunning as ever. Lord Zuko stepped from the airship, quickly accepting a warm embrace from the woman.
"Wow! It's been a while. What brings you all this way?" The woman asked, a tinge of attitude in her tone.
"It's good to see you too, Suki. Don't tell me that you're still upset with me".
Zuko gave a pleasant smile.
"Oh, not at all. Thought you'd forgotten about me, after all, I was only Sokka's girlfriend to you," she responded, bitterness oozing in her words. "Thought we were close enough from me being your bodyguard. The least you could have done was warn me about Toph".
Zuko cringed at her words. "I-I just didn't want to get involved". He defended himself. "You were always my friend, but yours and Sokka's relationship was none of my business".
Suki sighed, drooping her shoulders. Turning away from him, her eyes seemed lost in the distance. "I guess nothing can change that now. What's done is done. I just wish I could have seen him one last time".
"Wait!" Korra exclaimed, seeming to appear from air by Lord Zuko's side. "Sokka left you to be with Toph? It all makes sense! Su is Sokka's daughter? Wow!"
Zuko gave an uncomfortable clearing of his throat.
Suddenly, Korra seemed to realize the impact of her outburst. "Oh, um, yeah. Guess I'll go kick rocks or something," she grumbled, lowering her head.
Surprisingly, Suki chuckled. "Avatar Korra. It is a pleasure to meet you". She said with a bow. "Never thought I'd meet two avatars in my lifetime".
Korra flashed her pearly whites. "Suki, it is likewise an honor. Sorry for what I said".
Waving the comment away, Suki answered coolly. "No worries, how's Katara?"
"Great! She was my waterbending teacher!" Korra's tone was bright as she thought of her long time mentor.
"Good to know, come on! I want you all to meet the children. They are ecstatic that you're here!"
Zuko graciously nodded. "Well, we have a bit of a situation on the airship. There's a prisoner on board I think you should meet".
"Oh?" Inquired Suki, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, it is kind of bittersweet. I won't ruin the surprise. Come".
Suki cast a look at Korra who gave a smug smile. Following Zuko, they boarded the airship. As they neared the cell where Ty Lee was being held, Asami emerged form the room with tears in her eyes. Rushing past them, Korra ran to her entangling the engineer in her arms. The girl laid her head on her shoulder, sobbing quietly.
"What happened? Did Ty Lee hurt you?" She asked.
Suki froze instantly at the familiar name. "Ty Lee?" She asked, looking at Zuko.
"I couldn't believe it either," he said. "Asami, are you going to be ok?"
"Just leave us," interjected Korra. "She's shaken up. I'm going to take her to bed. Suki, is there a place for us tonight?"
The woman nodded. "Yes, have one of the girls escort you. It is not far from here".
"Thanks," said Korra, wrapping her arms around the girl's waist, possessively. "I'll deal with Ty Lee later," she hissed.
Zuko and Suki exchanged worried looks, speeding up their pace towards the cell at the end around the corner.
"Why would Ty Lee want to hurt anyone? That's not like her. Are you sure it is her, Zuko?"
The former fire lord shook his head. "I don't know what to believe".
The two stopped at the cell door as Zuko fished his robes for the key.
"Wow, it's been almost seventy years since I last..." Suki's voice trailed as Zuko opened the door.
Her mouth opened in an astonished gape as a chained Ty Lee looked up at them from her position on the floor. Though her eyes were puffy with tears and her hair was down, Suki recognized her old comrade instantly. Remarkably she still looked the same as she'd left.
"Suki?" Asked the girl, shakingly.
"Ty Lee, how?"
Suki wondered if she was dreaming. Blinking, she moved her eyes over the acrobat's form as she stood walking towards them. The chains were long enough for her to reach the middle of the room. Extending her arms, Ty Lee gave a warm smile. Suki immediately ran to her for a long awaited embrace.
"Spirits, Ty Lee! Where have you been? How did you do this?"
Ty Lee shrugged. "I-I don't know! I was in the Spirit World with Azula for a long time and we escaped".
Suki gasped. "Azula? Ty, no! I thought you were done with her. I had hoped you had moved on and started a family".
Ty Lee chuckled. "I did! Just with Azula. I've loved her for a very long time, Suki," she confessed.
"Wow," Suki's eyebrow raised. "I knew you were attached to her, but I thought it was out of fear".
Ty Lee smiled. "For a while, yes, but not anymore. Choosing Azula was the smartest choice I ever made. I never stopped loving her and well, it was the best thing that could have happened to us. We have two children together. Sure Zaheer's not really mine, but-".
Before Suki could respond, Zuko blurted, "Zaheer?"
Ty Lee rolled her eyes. "Yes, remember I told you he is Azula's son and well sort of mine too, but we actually had a daughter, Yasuko".
Suki sank to the floor next to the acrobat. "Wow, Yasuko was one of the first children to be admitted to the orphanage. She was beautiful, Ty. Though she was troubled and very scared. When she came to us all that she could remember was her name".
Tears welled in the corners of Ty Lee's eyes as Suki spoke.
"We educated her and gave her a room here until she was 18 and met a young man from the Fire Nation. She was very smart and sweet. I missed her when she left".
Lowering herself to the floor with her arms around her body, the acrobat shook uncontrollably from her sobs. The chains on her wrists seemed to sing her sorrow. Heartbroken, Suki knelt down to grasp her shoulders in a hug.
"Oh, Ty, I-I am so sorry. She whispered. "If it makes you feel better, I-I have some old letters from her. After she moved to Yu Dao with her husband, she wrote me each week. Then, well, the letters just stopped".
Ty Lee's sobbing eased some as Suki spoke, with a sniffle, she said in choking words, "Sh-She, d-didn't stop. She w-was killed. H-her daughter told me".
Suki's eyes misted at the news. "Who would do such a horrible thing? Yasuko was not a bender to my knowledge".
Zuko felt a pang of guilt rise in his stomach. As he watched the agony of the two women, he felt his breathing shorten.
"Ahem, maybe we should all take a break. There have been many surprises today," he suggested from where he stood by the door.
Suki looked from him to the shackles on Ty Lee's wrists and legs. "Zuko, don't you think this is a little extreme?"
Zuko narrowed his eyes. "No, Ty Lee's still loyal to Azula. I'm not sure that she can be trusted".
"Is this true, Ty? Are you willing to betray us for Azula? We were sisters, remember?"
Ty Lee wiped her tear-stricken face with the back of her palm with a sigh, she answered, "Zuko is right. I-I don't think it is wise for you to trust me". Suki gasped as she continued. "We are sisters, Suki, this is true and I want to thank you for caring for my sweet child when I couldn't, but-," her voice trailed as she looked to Zuko. "I would never betray Azula again. Not for anyone. I love her too much. She deserves to be loved as you did Zuko. I want my last breath to be by Azula's side".
The proclamation made Suki retract her arms. Yet, Ty Lee did not falter. She stood lifting her head slowly, arms drooping over her middle. The chains rattled subtly.
"I thought you had changed. After so long, I thought you would have at least tried to find your sister, but did you?"
Zuko lowered his eyes.
"DID YOU?" The words burned like his father's unyielding fire.
"You didn't! Why? Because of your secret? You couldn't have been happier for Azula to fall off the face of the world!" Clenching her teeth, the acrobat shook her chains as her voice rose. "You can't even look at your grand-niece without telling her the TRUTH!"
Zuko took a deep breath. "I-I didn't mean it!" He found himself saying. "I didn't mean for Yasuko to be killed".
As he realized his words, his jaw fell slack as he looked at the women's confused expressions. With her hands over her mouth, Suki gasped. Ty Lee's fists curled angrily.
"Yes...she-she was killed by Fire Nation...soldiers," she said quickly putting the facts together. "By your command. You monster!"
Zuko's breath caught. Turning to leave, his eyes widened impossibly more as he found Korra still holding Asami's waist. The expression on her face was cold and told him that she had witnessed everything.
"A-Asami, please, listen, your mother-"
Raising her hand, the woman stopped him, shaking from Korra's tightening grip on her waist.
"You knew," she said, smoothly.
The woman's hair fell over her shoulders as her emerald eyes met his. Lord Zuko felt an old fear that only his sister and their father could spark in him. As Asami loomed, he saw it clearly. the woman was every bit his little sister.
Something you're born with.
"Asami, wait, maybe there's more to the story, you know, like Hiroshi," Korra pleaded from behind her, trying to pull the woman away again by the elbow.
Asami shifted from her grasp, effortlessly. "No," she said not looking at her. "My mother's story is over, she's dead".
Zuko swallowed as she neared him. Even though she was a non-bender, her stare was formidable.
Something you're born with.
He visibly flinched. His sister had indeed spurred another child. Whether or not it was with Ty Lee, he was still unsure about, yet, Asami was dangerous like her legendary ancestor. Luckily, she was not a firebender or she would have surely forced him to duel her in an Agni Khai.
The showdown that was always meant to be.
Despite his efforts, Azula had reentered his life once again through Asami. As a member of the new Team Avatar, Azula's granddaughter would have the power to overpower him and take his daughter's throne, easily.
I cannot let that happen. He thought. Azula, you won't destroy everything Aang and I worked so hard to build. It cost me too much.
"You will not harm my family again, Lord Zuko, I can promise this," Asami sneered, meeting his golden eyes again. "Should you or anyone else try, I will rain Agni's Hell on you".
Korra pulled her shoulder as she placed an electric glove over her hand. The lightning burst in small spurts.
I'll show you lightning!
Zuko clenched his teeth as he stared at the glove, then back the woman.
"Now. Get. Off. My. Airship".
#
Lord Zuko was frozen, stunned by the ferocity of Asami's words. The woman glared at him, fingers curled into fists as she seethed in anger that he had not expected from the avatar's companion.
"Korra?" He pleaded in hopes that the avatar would try to calm her girlfriend.
Obviously surprised as well by the engineer's ferocity, Avatar Korra cautiously stepped up to the woman, stroking a finger down her cheek. As she did this, the engineer's eyes darted in the direction of the touch with dangerous intent. Zuko saw it again as the emerald eyes flickered suddenly to rustic gold before returning to their natural color.
I won't let you win Azula! He thought as bitterness flowed from his body in tandem with the anguish of guilt. Looking back at Ty Lee who was standing with her fists balled and staring angrily at the scene unfolding, he thought of his niece's blood on his hands coming back to haunt him. He had tried with all of his power to restore balance and maintain peace, yet his sister and her family threatened all that he held dear. Things seemed to move in slow motion as Zuko's guards, who had accompanied him on the ship hurried into the cell.
"Arrest her," he heard himself say coldly.
"Wait! No!" Yelled Korra, stepping between Azula's descendant and the guards in front of the door.
"Zuko! Stop this! Haven't you done enough?" Ty Lee growled from behind.
Angered further, Asami lunged for the former fire lord, her long limbs reaching for his neck with the gloved hand.
"Uh!" she grimaced as metal rods wrapped around her wrists, pulling them behind her back. "Wha-?" Her voice trailed as she fell to the floor of the cell on one knee.
"Asami!" Screamed Ty Lee, chains clanking violently in an attempt to pull free.
The engineer shook her bounds, turning her head, she and Zuko looked towards her captor.
"I'm sorry. Please forgive me, Asami. I couldn't let you attack Zuko," a hurt-filled Korra explained softly.
The engineer's eyes widened. "Korra?" She gasped.
Two more guards rushed to the fallen woman, lifting her to her feet. Zuko joined the avatar's side, placing a hand on the shaking girl's shoulder.
"You did the right thing, Korra," he tried to assure her. "Given Asami's family history, it is best we keep her detained".
He spoke softly and slowly to ease the tension.
"No," said the avatar, squeezing her eyes shut. "Asami has done nothing wrong. She's just upset".
The former fire lord locked eyes with Azula's descendant as she continued to glare at him, darting her eyes back and forth from him to Korra.
"Korra, don't let him do this," she warned in a tone that was impeccably calm.
The avatar met the woman's eyes. Zuko noticed the passion and confusion in them.
"She is a threat to the balance of this world, Korra. Believe me, sometimes these decisions are hard," he said.
"Korra?" The woman pleaded.
"I-I can't," said the avatar, taking a deep breath. "I can't do this to her, Zuko. Asami has always been there for me. I love her".
Grimacing, the former fire lord spoke regally, "She is Fire Nation. This is the business of the Fire Nation. I am sorry, but I must protect my daughter and my country. She tried to attack a member of the royal family. That is treason".
Stepping in front of Asami and the soldiers, Suki gave pleading eyes towards Zuko. "This is too much, please reconsider".
Zuko considered the plea before shaking his head. "Until I find Azula, we must tread carefully. She's dangerous and so is anyone affiliated with her".
Korra sighed before using her fist to place a dent in a nearby wall.
"It is for your safety, Korra".
"I'm sorry, Asami," she whimpered.
The woman instantly became livid, shocking everyone in the cell as she spewed. "You can't do this to me! This is my airship!"
The situation obviously irked the avatar as she charged out of the room. Zuko made a mental note to talk more with her after the matter was settled.
"Suki, please, make sure the avatar is safe," he ordered.
Despite her reluctance to leave, the old Kyoshi warrior followed the woman out of the cell.
Now to end this threat. He thought as the room cleared.
It was now just the three of them.
"You can't treat me like this!" Asami was yelling, struggling fruitlessly in her bounds. "I am NOT Azula!"
The statement made Zuko pause. Sighing deeply, he looked towards his sister's faithful companion, who had grown uncharacteristically quiet as she glared at him, eyelids low and dangerous.
There it is.
No matter how innocent the acrobat portrayed herself to be, the former fire lord knew she was was undoubtedly faithful to her lover.
"As of now, your assets will be frozen," he responded to the engineer. "Future Industries will be investigated for treason until the Fire Nation has secured my sister," turning to Ty Lee, he added. "With your cooperation, that shouldn't be much of a problem".
Ty Lee's bottom lip quivered as she spoke, "I-I told you. I'm not betraying Azula again".
Zuko's brow rose. "Betrayal? No, I am not asking that of you, Ty Lee. I am happy that the both of you are alive and well," He said honestly. "But you know as well as I do that my sister is a direct threat to the throne I am trying to protect my daughter and my grandson. You understand this, right?" He glanced at Asami to emphasize his point.
The young woman said nothing, though her look spoke volumes as she glared back at him.
"We must let the past rest," he continued. "And move on towards a better future. The only way to do this is to convince my sister to turn herself in along with Zaheer. I will allow you and Asami to walk free today if you can assure this".
Ty Lee hung her head. "You can't hurt her, Zuko. Please," she begged.
That was the answer he needed. "Guards!" Two men rushed to his side. "Release, them! In return, I expect a weekly report by radio or letter. Think of Asami's future. You wouldn't want to ruin it, would you?"
Ty Lee sighed as her chains were unlocked. After several moments, she nodded in affirmation.
Zuko gave his best regal smile. "Great, I expect to hear from you soon".
#
Azula paced along the narrow walkway adjacent to the the royal palace's steps. It had been years since she had last seen the inside of her home. From the looks of things, it was slowly being renovated to match the modern style of the times while careful to maintain its legendary appearance. It was fashioned with large ramps for the handicapped and several, NO SMOKING, signs lined the walls.
Azula lit a cigarette calmly under one of the signs for the thrill of it. Leaning against the palace's wall, she blew a thick cloud of smoke in the air.
"Always the rule breaker," said her elderly, old friend, standing patiently in front of the palace's entrance.
"What is taking so long? I would think a mother with your upbringing would coach her child about punctuality," she snapped back coolly.
Mai shrugged. "My daughter is a lot like her aunt. She doesn't run for anyone, even family".
Hmm... Thought Azula.
Upon hearing the news of Ty Lee's imprisonment, Mai quickly arranged to meet with the fire lord to discuss leniency. For the safety of her son, Azula had asked Zaheer to remain home this time.
"Remember, Mai, I'm just an old friend," she reminded the woman.
Mai inclined her head, continuing to wait. After several moments, the pair were greeted by an Imperial Firebender to escort them to the throne room. As they followed her, Azula looked around the palace. The old pictures of the past fire lords hung in their proper place, though the palace was now lit with fake indoor lighting. Azula had to admit that the lighting made the walk better. The palace looked remarkably different with it. She saw the carvings in the wall perfectly now. During Sozin's War, her grandfather, Fire Lord Azulon, ordered that each historic battle be engraved.
Hmm, I'd have expected Zuko to rid the place of this.
Her eyes met the lingering eyes of a painted portrait of her father. Azula's stomach boiled.
If only I was there to watch you take your final breath. She thought, angrily.
Despite her father being long dead by now, the painting brought back painful memories. Though it took a while of being strapped in a straight-jacket in a lonely cell for her to realize, she in fact realized everything. Her father was not the man she once loved and respected wholly. He was very much human, an ugly, abusive, terrible father, who had created her in his perfect image. Though she had embarked on the journey with Zuko and his buddies to find her mother, she needed enlightenment and freedom despite the torture. She also needed Zuko to ascend to the throne without her father to impede him. She had planned Zaheer's overtake to occur afterwards, once Zuko had failed in his dealings as Fire Lord. The task was supposed to be simple, but naturally Azula was born lucky and things did not turn out as planned.
Azula's eyes met Zuko's painting briefly Wow, you look like Father, Dear Brother. before turning to see the new fire lord. A woman, around forty or fifty stared down the brim of her old-fashioned spectacles at her. She was somewhat intimidating, though Azula knew better.
She's Zuko's. A weak father undoubtedly spurs a weak child.
"She looks like you," she commented passively to her former ally. "Bland".
"Yes, a bland, female fire lord. The first of her kind," Mai shot back in her usual flare.
Azula bit her lip. She knew what Mai was hinting at. Before her mind had completely caused her downfall, Azula was supposed to ascend to the Fire Nation's top position at her father's will.
"Yes," she replied. "And we see what happened. A nation destined for greatness ruled by idiots headed for ruin. You should be happy for your nation that I have returned".
Mai grimaced. "I am not in total agreement to this overthrowing of my daughter idea. We are here to talk, Azula," she said, a hint of warning filling her eyes.
Azula puffed her cigarette, she'd smuggled in from outside.
"The walls have never been deaf, Old Friend. Besides talking is what I do best".
The Imperial Firebender stopped at the curtains of the throne room. Azula hissed low as the women stepped past quietly.
"You heard nothing, Peasant," she growled, softly at her.
The woman, no older than 30 gulped visibly. With that, she followed Mai through the curtain. Surprisingly, the throne was not lit. Yet, the lighting illuminated the fire lord as she sat, perched high above them.
"Agni's Blessing, Mother," said the fire lord as they neared.
Both women bowed, Azula did so with less form than Mai, however.
"You have a guest with you? Why was I not made aware of this?"
Azula was about to retort when Mai rose, speaking. "This is my good friend, traveling for the Festival of Agni," she replied smoothly.
"I see, rise, young lady".
Azula resisted the urge to laugh.
Catch that Mai? She thought, standing.
"You look rather familiar," stated the fire lord, rubbing her chin.
"I would love to chat, but you seem to have taken someone special to me and I demand to have her released immediately".
The fire lord wrinkled her nose. Mai, sensing the tension, quickly maneuvered herself in front of Azula.
"Pardon my friend, Zu, My Dear, she seems to have left her manners at home, typical".
The fire lord calmly closed her eyes, pushing her bifocals up the bridge of her nose.
"Well, Zu, seems my mother has saved your neck this time, but believe me, I expect the proper respect from a Fire National from here on, or you will be re-educated on the principle".
Azula opened her mouth to speak, but Mai's voice instantly filled the room. "Of course, Your Grace, she will be on her best behavior".
With that, she cut an eye at Azula, who inclined her head.
"Apologies, Your Grace," she said, through clenched teeth. "May we discuss this business of a prisoner held against her will?"
"I assume all my prisoners are held against their will, Zu," retorted the Fire Lord, making Azula ball a fist. "Though it seems this is a very important prisoner if you have convinced my mother to speak on your behalf".
The lady Imperial Firebender from before suddenly approached, whispering in the Fire Lord's ear. Her tone was low enough to avoid being heard. Azula began to mentally prepare for whatever was coming next. She watched as the fire lord jerked her head at them in shock and a hint of anger. Looking back to the firebender, she asked, "Surely, this is a mistake".
Mai and Azula shot warning looks at the other.
I hope you still remember how to dance. Thought Azula, lunging forward in a ready stance for battle. Clearing her throat, the fire lord locked eyes with her.
"Pardon my rudeness," she hissed. "It seems everyone is looking to make sudden entrances in my throne room. I must look into this prisoner matter later. The president of Republic City has arrived and unfortunately my adviser has taken a fine opportunity to become ill. I am telling you this as a sincere excuse to postpone our discussion for tomorrow".
"WHY?" Azula growled. "Surely, this is more important than any earth kingdom foolishness! A woman is being held against the law!"
Mai was about to step in, when the fire lord rose from her seated position.
"Enough, I have graciously allowed you to waltz in my throne room with your pathetic demands and you repay me with insolence? I can have you killed on the spot if you wish".
Azula noticed at least twenty guards encircle her and Mai as if appearing from air.
"It's been tried before," she shot back, unfazed. "Your father would love it if you succeed where he didn't".
As the guards readied their stance, the fire lord raised her hand, stopping them.
"You are far too young to remember my father's reign. How do you know him?"
Azula smirked, calming her stance. "Let's just say he and I were close," she replied.
The fire lord's teeth clenched, yet Azula continued, "Obviously, he left you with a broken kingdom as he left me with a broken mind, but I have a proposition for you".
Surprisingly, the woman stepped down hastily, coming within inches of the shorter girl's face. Giving her a once over before stating, "I'm listening".
Looking into her eyes, boldly, Azula made her move, as she read the woman like an open book. Power hungry, yet sensible. She has the temperament of her mother. Unable to express her feelings, or unwilling. Charisma is not her forte, therefore she does not have a grip on her military. Evident by her treacherous guard. Her people trust her less than Zuko. Coddled all her life, possibly has never had to deal with real war or negotiations. No wonder the so called president feels he can just stumble in her throne room like he owns the world. She was not born with the divine right to rule. My son, this throne will be easily yours. This is too easy.
"This so called president in the earth kingdom is a mere peasant compared to the world's once most powerful nation. He does not need to meet with you until your demands are met. I will be happy to serve as adviser on your behalf".
The fire lord glanced at her mother.
Appear weak when you're strong and strong when you're weak.
"And your credentials?"
To subdue the enemy without fighting is the supreme excellence.
"Obviously, your mother dear thinks I am befitting enough to commune with you," the former princess replied. "Let's just say I want to help restore this great nation. Seeing as you need an army of benders and your throne unlit, you're obviously not a bender so they are not as threatened by you. Tell me your demands and if I sense any disloyalty or hesitation to the Fire Nation, I will not hesitate to snub it out".
"You think I am going to appoint you to such a high position as adviser?"
To know your enemy is to become your enemy.
"No need for appointments. Let's just say for exchange of the prisoner, I will not only offer my services free of charge, but also teach anyone who opposes a little thing about Fire Nation hospitality".
The fire lord grinned. "I sensed something special about you, Zu. My father is known for making enemies of those closest to him".
Hence that general is skillful in attack whose opponent does not know what to defend; and he is skillful in defense whose opponent does not know what to attack.
"Fine, I will look into this prisoner matter and if my father has anything to do with it, given your history with him, it will be pardoned. He has no command here anymore".
Making no mistakes is what establishes the certainty of victory; for it means conquering an enemy who is already defeated.
"Agni's Blessing," the former Crowned Princess stated with an humble bow in perfect form.
Your reviews are very encouraging. Thank you to everyone. I love the opinions as well as the praise. I am trying my best to upload more often. Also, side note: For those who do not know, the quotes from Azula are from Sun Tzu's Art of War. The idea to use them spurred from one of my favorite Tyzula stories called Chasing the Dragon. Unfortunately, it has not been updated in three years so I wouldn't encourage reading because you would easily get absorbed like yours truly and left sad and distraught, awaiting an update. Wait, that sounds familiar, oh well, it took me like six years or so to get over my writer's block, so who knows...anyways enjoy, review etc. Thanks again!